Madhya Pradesh set to emerge as India’s 'Food Basket' :CM

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Friday outlined Madhya Pradesh’s rapid transformation into a ‘Model State’, highlighting achievements across agriculture, healthcare, tourism, industry, and infrastructure. Speaking at an event organised by a private media group in New Delhi, the Chief Minister said that the state is steadily progressing with a clear vision to emerge as India’s new “Food Basket.”Dr. Yadav credited the hard work of farmers for ensuring abundant grain reserves and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural capacity through incentives and food-processing clusters.
River Linking Projects to Boost Irrigation and Water Supply
The Chief Minister underscored the launch of two ambitious National River Linking Projects from Madhya Pradesh. The Ken–Betwa project, costing Rs. 1 lakh crore, will secure irrigation and drinking water facilities for Bundelkhand, while the Parvati–Kalisindh–Chambal project, worth Rs. 70,000 crore, will serve Malwa and Chambal regions. “These projects will transform water security and agricultural productivity,” Dr. Yadav said.
Expanding Tourism Beyond Religion
Tourism is a key growth driver, with Madhya Pradesh strengthening its reputation as a hub for religious and spiritual tourism. Dr. Yadav highlighted preparations for Simhastha 2028 and the transformation of Ujjain through the Shri Mahakal Mahalok project. The city, with a population of just seven lakh, now attracts over seven crore pilgrims annually, spurring the rise of more than 200 hotels. He added that efforts are underway to expand into health tourism, with a dedicated Medical Device Park and land banks being developed.
Aviation and Connectivity Push
Unveiling the state’s new aviation policy, Dr. Yadav said incentives are being provided for regional planes, alongside the launch of air ambulance services—free for Ayushman card holders and subsidised for others. Helicopter services are also being expanded to strengthen connectivity. On urban development, the Chief Minister said metro operations have begun in Indore, construction is progressing in Bhopal, and expansion will soon reach Gwalior and Jabalpur.
Investment and Industrial Growth
According to information,Dr. Yadav announced that the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal attracted proposals worth Rs. 30.77 lakh crore, underscoring investor confidence. New industrial clusters, including an electronics cluster in Ujjain and food-processing units across the state, are being developed. To encourage industrialisation, the state offers land at concessional rates, a single-window clearance system, and reduced approval processes—from 29 to 10. In the past year alone, land has been allotted to 285 industries.The Chief Minister also highlighted the setting up of a BEML Metro Coach Manufacturing Plant and policies to promote employment-oriented industries, offering Rs. 5,000 support per worker for 10 years.

आगामी डेढ़ वर्ष में मध्यप्रदेश में रेल कोच और मेट्रो कोच का प्रोडक्शन शुरू हो जाएगा।@EconomicTimes #ETWorldLeadersForum #ETWLF2025 pic.twitter.com/FVPSh7Ee6a

— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) August 22, 2025

Healthcare and Social Welfare Initiatives
To expand healthcare access, Madhya Pradesh is opening new medical colleges across districts. Dr. Yadav announced that investors can acquire 25 acres of land for Re. 1 under a PPP model, with government hospitals provided for 10 years as part of a dual-support investment framework.Meanwhile,on social welfare, he emphasised the Ladli Behna Scheme, under which women receive Rs. 1,500 in financial assistance. Women employed in industries also get an additional Rs. 5,000 monthly wage incentive. Labor reforms have been implemented, allowing women to work night shifts with revised work-hour provisions.
Strong Economic Growth and Vision Ahead
Madhya Pradesh reported exports worth Rs. 66,000 crore last year, growing at 6%, while maintaining the lowest electricity rates in the country and the largest irrigated area,according to information.The Chief Minister added that the state plans to double its budget in five years, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of women’s empowerment and self-reliance.“Madhya Pradesh has transformed since 2003 and is now among the top 10 leading states of India,” Dr. Yadav stated. “We are moving rapidly in every sector—agriculture, industry, tourism, and human development—emerging as the true heartland of India.”

(Asstt.Editor)